Jarnac, the charming town in the heart of France’s Cognac region, is home to the prestigious Braastad Cognac House. For over six generations, this family-run operation has meticulously crafted some of the world’s finest cognacs, blending tradition and innovation to create exceptional XO, XO Supérieur, and Extra expressions. Visitors to the Braastad Prestige can embark on an immersive journey, exploring the distillery’s historic halls and atmospheric aging cellars. Here, they’ll witness the art of cognac-making firsthand, uncovering the family’s relentless pursuit of perfection. With each sip, guests will uncover the depth and complexity that define the Braastad legacy – a legacy that continues to captivate cognac enthusiasts around the globe.
Key Points
- Experience the centuries-old process of cognac-making at the family-run Braastad Cognac House in Jarnac, with guided tours of the distillery, aging cellars, and on-site museum.
- Explore the rich history and legacy of six generations of the Braastad family, dedicated to the art of crafting exceptional XO, XO Supérieur, and Extra cognacs.
- Witness the meticulous tending of Ugni Blanc grapes in the prestigious Cognac region, followed by distillation and aging in French oak casks for a truly unique flavor profile.
- Indulge in a tasting of the house’s renowned cognacs, appreciating the skill and patience required in creating these complex and harmonious spirits.
- Enjoy the captivating atmosphere of the Braastad Cognac House, where tradition, innovation, and a passion for perfection come together in an unforgettable experience.
Overview of the Cognac House
The Braastad Cognac Prestige is a family-run cognac house that has been operating for six generations, offering visitors an immersive tour through its time-honored traditions and exceptional product portfolio.
During this captivating 1.5-hour experience, guests can explore the cognac crafting process, from the idyllic vineyards to the meticulous distillation, aging, and blending techniques that give rise to the house’s renowned XO, XO supérieur, and Extra cognacs.
The tour also includes visits to the distillery, aging cellar, and on-site museum, providing a comprehensive understanding of the rich heritage and expertise behind each bottle.
Whether you’re a cognac connoisseur or simply curious, this family-owned hotel promises an unforgettable and educational journey.
Family Legacy and Craftsmanship
For six generations, the Braastad family has poured their unwavering passion and expertise into crafting the exceptional cognacs that embody the house’s rich legacy.
As you step into the iconic Braastad buildings, you can feel the weight of this history and the artistry that goes into every bottle.
The family’s intimate knowledge of the land, meticulous distillation processes, and patient aging techniques are evident in the depth and complexity of their acclaimed XO, XO Supérieur, and Extra cognacs.
Each sip offers a captivating journey through the family’s storied past and their relentless pursuit of perfection.
It’s a true testament to the power of multi-generational dedication and the art of cognac making.
Vineyards and Winemaking Process
Braastad’s century-old vineyards dot the lush, rolling hillsides of the prestigious Cognac region, providing the fragrant grapes that form the foundation of their acclaimed spirits.
The family meticulously tends to these vineyards, ensuring the Ugni Blanc grapes reach optimal ripeness before the harvest.
The grapes are then pressed and fermented into a light, dry wine, which is carefully distilled in traditional copper pot stills.
The resulting clear, fragrant eau-de-vie is then aged for years in French oak casks, developing its signature rich, complex flavors.
Throughout this time-honored process, the Braastad team employs generations of expertise to coax out the very best from each grape, creating cognacs that are truly worthy of their prestigious heritage.
Distillation and Aging of Cognac
After the fragrant Ugni Blanc grapes are pressed and fermented into a light, dry wine, the Braastad team expertly distills the resulting clear, aromatic eau-de-vie in traditional copper pot stills, kicking off the next crucial phase of the cognac-making process.
The freshly distilled spirit is then placed in French oak casks, where it will slowly mature for years, even decades. As time passes, the cognac takes on a rich amber hue and develops complex flavors, thanks to the wood’s influence and the interaction with air.
Visitors can wander through the atmospheric aging cellars, marveling at the rows of ancient barrels that hold Braastad’s most prized elixirs, some dating back centuries.
Tasting of Exceptional Cognacs
Visitors eagerly await the highlight of the tour – tasting Braastad’s most exceptional cognacs, which showcase the distillery’s mastery of the craft.
The tasting begins with the XO, a blend of eaux-de-vie aged for at least 6 years. Its rich, oaky flavors and velvety texture delight the senses.
Next, the XO Supérieur impresses with its greater depth and complexity, having been aged for even longer.
Finally, the Extra cognac captivates with its opulent, harmonious bouquet and luxuriously smooth finish.
As guests savor each sip, they gain a profound appreciation for the skill and patience required to create these liquid gems. The tasting leaves an indelible mark, perfectly complementing the insights gained throughout the immersive tour.
Visiting the Distillery and Cellar
The tour then leads guests through Braastad’s historic distillery, where the time-honored craft of cognac-making unfolds before their eyes. Towering copper stills stand as testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality, each deftly crafting the clear, aromatic eaux-de-vie that form the foundation of the house’s exceptional cognacs.
Visitors can explore the atmospheric aging cellars, where generations-old oak casks quietly mature the spirit, imparting rich, complex flavors. They’ll marvel at the intricate, artisanal process of blending these aged cognacs, a true testament to the family’s expertise.
The visit concludes in the charming museum, where guests can enjoy the captivating history and tradition of this renowned cognac house.
Company History and Museum
With a rich heritage dating back over six generations, the Braastad Cognac house has a captivating story to share in its charming on-site museum.
Visitors can enjoy the family’s enduring dedication to the art of cognac-making, tracing its evolution from modest beginnings to prestigious global recognition.
The museum showcases historical artifacts, vintage equipment, and interactive exhibits that bring to life the intricate processes involved in cultivating the finest grapes, distilling the eaux-de-vie, and meticulously aging the cognac in oak casks.
Through this engaging journey, guests gain a profound appreciation for the family’s unwavering commitment to quality and the centuries-old traditions that have shaped the Braastad legacy.
Booking and Visitor Information
Prospective guests can conveniently reserve their tour of the Braastad Cognac estate through the company’s website, with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option available.
The address, 29 Quai île Madame in Mainxe-Gondeville, provides easy access to the iconic family-run facility. Visitors also benefit from a generous 24-hour cancellation policy, ensuring flexibility in their travel planning.
The tour promises an immersive experience, highlighting:
- The history and legacy of the 6-generation family business
- An in-depth exploration of the cognac-making process
- Visits to the distillery, aging cellar, and on-site museum
- Tastings of the estate’s finest XO, XO supérieur, and Extra cognacs
- Guided tours available in Norwegian, English, and French
Recap
Braastad Cognac Prestige offers a captivating journey through the centuries-old traditions of cognac-making. Visitors can witness the meticulous process, from the historic distillery to the atmospheric aging cellars, culminating in an exceptional tasting of the family’s renowned XO, XO Supérieur, and Extra cognacs.
This immersive experience promises an unforgettable exploration of the Braastad family’s relentless pursuit of perfection in the art of cognac craftsmanship.
